Independence Day of Zambia

ZAMBIA, a country in Southern Africa, celebrates its Independence Day annually on October 24 to commemorate the day in 1964 when the country gained freedom from British rule. The day is marked with parades all over the country, with the grandest and most elaborate taking place in Lusaka, the country’s capital and largest city. The parades usually feature labor and youth organizations with the armed forces accompanied by dancing and music.

Prior to being claimed and occupied by the British as the protectorate of Northern Rhodesia in the 19th century, Zambia was visited by several European countries. The country derives its name from the Zambesi river. One account has it that Zambesi may mean “River of God.”

The country is bordered on the north by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the northeast by Tanzania, on the east by Malawi, on the west by Angola, and on the south by Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. The city of Lusaka has several interesting sites, including the Chaminuka Game Reserve, the Sunday crafts shopping which resembles the Filipinos tiangge and night markets, and the National Museum of Zambia which contains historical artifacts.

The Philippine embassy in Pretoria has jurisdiction over Zambia and 9 other countries in the African continent, while Zambia has a consulate office in Quezon City. Zambia is a member of numerous international organizations including the United Nations, World Trade Organization, African Union, and the World Tourism Organization.

We greet the people and government of Zambia, led by President Edgar Lungu, on the occasion of its 53rd Independence Day Anniversary.